Fuel queues persist in Dhaka, Ctg despite extra diesel, petrol supply

Long queues for fuel persisted at filling stations across Dhaka, Ctg today (20 April), despite the government's decision to supply additional diesel, petrol, and octane in an effort to ease public suffering.

Although fuel depots have begun releasing extra supplies, petrol pump owners said the situation will not return to normal until adequate fuel reaches all stations across the city, adding that it may take several days.

A visit to filling stations in Gabtoli, Asadgate, Motijheel, and Rajarbagh areas this morning showed long queues of private cars and motorbikes waiting for fuel, similar to previous days.

At Ramna Filling Station near Moghbazar, queues stretched from Segunbagicha and Birdem Hospital up to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs area.

At a filling station near Rajarbagh Police Lines, a long queue of private vehicles and bikers was also seen, extending from the pump entrance through lanes near Rajarbagh Pirer Bari into Shantibagh.

In Gabtoli, vehicles waiting to collect fuel formed double lanes stretching from Aminbazar Bridge to Technical Crossing on the main road.

The heavy queue caused traffic congestion in the area, although by afternoon, the lines appeared slightly shorter compared to other days.

Fuel queues persist at Ctg pumps despite supply boost

At QC Trading Filling Station in Gani Bakery area, queues stretched up to JM Sen Hall, with drivers of motorbikes and private cars waiting long hours. Drivers said they were yet to see any impact of the announced supply increase.

Pump officials said rationing and mismatched allocation based on last year's demand were worsening the situation, while price hikes have not reduced demand.

At Muradpur Fossil Petrol Pump, manager Md Fakhruddin Islam Shimul told The Business Standard they previously received fuel four days a week and although they were not scheduled for supply today, a single diesel truck arrived, with possible changes in the supply schedule expected to ease the crisis if implemented.

He said octane sales are being limited due to supply shortages, with a maximum of Tk500 worth of fuel being sold per customer adding that pressure on diesel has increased due to electricity shortages, and while demand for octane has eased slightly, overall conditions have not improved significantly.

Meanwhile, under the new fuel prices, diesel is being sold at Tk115 per litre, octane at Tk140 and petrol at Tk135, with stakeholders saying there are no signs of demand declining despite the price hike.